Displacement-based risk-targeted design of base-isolated structures

Abstract

This paper discusses a risk-targeted displacement-based method to design and evaluate friction pendulum bearing (FPB) devices in base isolation systems. It is based on a simplified approach to quantify the mean annual frequency of exceeding a given device displacement threshold using basic FPB dimensions and properties. A case study example is discussed to illustrate its accuracy against more extensive assessments. Through such a method, it is envisaged that structural engineers can now quickly assess the actual failure rates of different FPB device combinations used in practice to obtain a more uniform level of safety or reliability. The proposed approach is also arguably simpler, more direct and more accurate than currently available code-based approaches in many regions.